Small open-frame generators cover the essentials in an outage: a fridge, a freezer, a sump pump, lights and phone chargers, plugged in with extension cords or through a small 30 A inlet. Most have a TT-30 or L5-30 outlet, which feeds only one leg of a house panel, so a 240 V well pump or dryer is out of reach. They weigh 100 to 150 lb, so wheels and a folding handle matter.
Prices were last checked October 28, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Full ranking 12
- DuroMax XP5500HX#1 of 12Full review
A small dual-fuel generator for keeping a fridge, freezer, sump pump and lights going through a transfer switch, with remote start and a five-year warranty.
Amazon $599$5994,5009Dual$0.13 - Champion 5000-Watt Tri Fuel#2 of 12Full review
A small tri-fuel generator for a house with a natural gas line or an RV owner who wants fuel options. It powers a fridge, sump pump and lights, but not 240 V loads.
Amazon $688.04$688.044,00014Tri$0.17 - Champion 3650-Watt Dual Fuel#3 of 12Full review
A small dual-fuel generator for a 30 A RV or a few essentials in an outage, for buyers who want electric start, propane and CO shutoff at a low price.
Amazon $599.99$599.993,65014Dual$0.16 - Westinghouse WGen3600DFc#4 of 12Full review
A small dual-fuel generator with remote start for an RV or for a fridge, lights and a sump pump in an outage. Worth the step up from the pull-start WGen3600DFcv if you want to start it from indoors.
Amazon $499$4993,60010.5Dual$0.14 - Champion 4750-Watt Dual Fuel CARB#5 of 12Full review
A small dual-fuel generator for RV owners and California buyers who need a CARB-compliant model. It covers a 30 A RV or a fridge and a few circuits in an outage.
Amazon $699$6993,80014Dual$0.18 - Westinghouse WGen3600DFcv#6 of 12Full review
A small dual-fuel generator for an RV or a fridge, lights and a sump pump in an outage. Good for buyers who want to store propane instead of gasoline.
Amazon $399$3993,60010.5Dual$0.11 - WEN DF475T#7 of 12Full review
A small, cheap dual-fuel generator for running a fridge, sump pump and lights through a 30 A transfer switch, if you can live without CO shutoff.
Amazon $464.99$464.993,80011Dual$0.12 - A-iPower GXS5000#8 of 12Full review
A cheap small gas generator for outage essentials or an RV, with CO shutoff and California approval that many budget rivals lack.
Amazon $461.19$461.194,00015.2Gas$0.12 - Champion 3650-Watt RV Ready#9 of 12Full review
A low-cost gas generator sized for a 30 A RV or a few essentials in an outage. Best for campers who want the RV outlets and CO shutoff for the least money.
Amazon $469.99$469.993,65014Gas$0.13 - Westinghouse WGen3600cv#10 of 12Full review
A low-cost gasoline generator for a travel trailer or a few essentials in an outage. Best for RV owners and light home backup where a 120 V outlet is enough.
Amazon $349$3493,60010.5Gas$0.10 - WEN GN5600#11 of 12Full review
A cheap small gas generator for keeping essentials or an RV going in an outage, if you can live without CO shutoff and electric start.
Amazon $376$3764,50012.5Gas$0.08 - Generac GP3600#12 of 12Full review
A small gasoline generator for a fridge, a freezer, lights and a sump pump in an outage, or tools on a job site. Pick it for low cost and easy handling, not for whole-house backup.
Amazon $549$5493,6009.3Gas$0.15
